New Zealand Multisport
Journey to New Zealand's North Island and you'll find a land of such astounding diversity, you couldn't imagine limiting yourself to just one activity - this area is perfect for biking, hiking, kayaking, rafting, swimming and much more. Journey with Backroads from the lush Coromandel Peninsula, to the geothermal region of Rotorua and the famous Hawke's Bay wine region, with plenty of opportunities to stop and taste the local elixir. Combine the country's extraordinary beauty with its people's adventurous spirit and effortless hospitality, and you've got a destination ideal for active exploration.
Days 1-2 pauanui
Meet in Auckland and shuttle to the Coromandel Peninsula 
Our Kiwi guide Damian Johansen leads a walk through the pristine forest 
Pedal to Hahei and hike to the white-rock sculpture of Cathedral Cove, where white-sand beaches and warm waters await.
Days 3-4 rotorua
Hike the lush Karangahake Gorge, crossing suspension bridges and walking through an old gold-mining tunnel before cooling off with a swim under a waterfall Kayak on tranquil Lake Rotoiti and take a dip in lakeside hot springs Bike along Lake Rotorua's beautiful north shore On a tour of the Agrodome, feed sheep, deer and emu, and see Kiwi sheepshearers in action.
Day 5 taupo
Pedal along rolling pastures of Kiwi farmland with dramatic vistas Visit Waikite Hot Pools for a relaxing soak At Waiotapu, walk past geysers, thermal springs, colorful silica terraces and percolating mud pots.
Days 6-8 Havelock North
Take a walk to impressive Huka Falls Feeling fearless? Try a bungee jump over the Waikato River Pedal through the beautiful and world-famous Hawke's Bay wine region, past vineyards and shady oak trees, and stop for tastings Hike through redwoods and sheep pastures to the top of dramatic Te Mata Peak for 360-degree views.
INTIMATE RETREATS: Premiere Inns
Puka Park Resort (2 nights): Settle into your private chalet at this secluded wilderness retreat set among 25 acres of New Zealand bush.
Duxton Hotel (2 nights): Enjoy wonderful lake views and fine New Zealand hospitality at this resort, set right on the shore of Lake Rotoiti.
Millennium Hotel (1 night): Waterfront guest rooms, a pool and tennis courts nestled on the shore of Lake Taupo.
Mangapapa Petit Hotel (2 nights): Built over a century ago, this beautifully renovated country retreat offers lovely grounds, an incredible restaurant and a host of amenities.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 2 1 Route Option Available
- Hiking 3 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 2 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 13, 20 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
- Hiking 3 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Level 2 1 Route Option Available
- Hiking 6 miles
- 1000 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- Kayaking 3 hours
- Biking 13, 30 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 4 4 Route Options Available
- Biking 17, 21, 39 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
- Hiking 3 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 13, 24 miles
- 500 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 7
- Levels 2 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 26, 29, 58 miles
- 500 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 8
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Hiking 3 miles
- 500-1000 feet elevation gain
Trips For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Average Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biking | Walking & Hiking | ||
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 mile | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
2009 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 1/21-28Price: $5198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1030 for sgl. occ.)
The trip you have selected is different from the one displayed. Here's how:
Hotel Change: We will stay at the Wairakei Resort Hotel on Day 5. - 12/18-25Price: $5398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1030 for sgl. occ.)
2010 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 2/3-10Price: $5298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1030 for sgl. occ.)
- 12/18-25Price: $5298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1030 for sgl. occ.)
Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
I can't wait to take another Backroads trip. It proved to be the best way to experience a new place and be assured we're hitting the high points of each location. It is a great feeling to be taken care of and treated so well by our leaders!- St. Paul, MN
It's hard to describe how wonderful and enriching this trip was. I learned more about the country of New Zealand than I ever thought possible. And the views were breathtaking. I didn't want to come home! I can't say enough about Backroads and am already anticipating my next trip!Christine Carlo - Watertown, MA
All the local guides on the trip were exceptional. They were so well-informed and attentive to our interests.- Minneapolis, MN